Testimonials

Class of 2005

Marcia Holmes, finance director for Gurecky Manufacturing Service, "Being a part of the Leadership Class of 2005 meant more to me than I could have imagined.  It really was, in a sense, a life-changing experience... I was stretched, made to think "outside the box", and my eyes were opened... I truly am proud to be a member of this community.  I really looked forward to each month’s session... they were all very interesting, informative and I learned a great deal about our dynamic community, including its infrastructure, government and its business leaders. Our class was an exceptional group... it was amazing how we all bonded and life-long friendships were formed. I was a little sad when our year ended, but at the same time, look forward to whatever opportunities may arise to be a leader in this wonderful community!"

Lee Duggan, president of Houston Fence Company, reflects, "When I was first asked to participate in Leadership ' 05, I have to admit I was less than thrilled by the thought of having to give up one day each month out of my busy schedule.  I was having a hard time seeing the value of losing my productive time for this endeavor.  The amount of time required for the opening retreat really concerned me, as it was to be an overnight trip on a Friday and Saturday.  Well, I was wrong, wrong, wrong!  The opening retreat was great fun - I made a whole new group of friends, and renewed some old friendships.  The monthly sessions have been very educational and I have found that I look forward to them every month.  Leadership ' 05 has definitely not been a waste of my time.  Our community is worth the time to get involved!" 

Tom Shirley, president, NewFirst Bank, Class of 2005.  "Leadership Fort Bend is an excellent program to introduce future community leaders to our county. In less than one year, each member of leadership is introduced to government, education, infrastructure, history and much more of our county's operations. This experience is invaluable to anyone wishing to succeed in our business community."

 

Class of 2006

David Showalter, Showalter Law Firm, Class of 2006.  "Leadership helped acquaint me with current and future leaders and decision makers in the Fort Bend County area and enhanced my understanding of government, education and healthcare components of our community.  The participants were provided opportunities to enhance communication skills with each other and with community leaders."

Kim Icenhower, Icenhower Consulting, Class of 2006.  "By far one of the best experiences I've ever had.  There's a lasting bond with this group.  It's very powerful!"

 

 

Tracey Shaw, Vice President Marketing & Development for OakBend Medical Center, Class of 2006 stated, "I signed up for Leadership because I thought I could further enhance my skills, learn more about Fort Bend County and develop some great relationships with others in the program."

Pam Sullivan, New First National Bank, Class of 2006.  "Great experience!  Great way to build relationships, both personal and business.  I'm glad I did it!"

 

 
Carl Burch, NRG Texas, Class of 2006.  "New friends, great community educational experience, fun!"

Class of 2007

Gary Janssen, Attorney at Law, Class of 2007.  "There is no better way to establish business relationships and interact with community & business leaders than attending the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class."

 

Rocky Simon, Capitol One Bank, NA, Class of 2007.  "When I was first approached to participate in the Leadership class I was quite apprehensive.  It was a big time commitment for me to give up one day a month.  What program could the Chamber share with me each month that would keep my interest for the most part of a year?  I have never experienced such an interesting and diverse program.  Each session was better than the last.  The knowledge, the places we visited, the people we met and our group interaction was great.  I highly recommend this program to anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of the make up of Fort Bend County."

David Lyons, Publisher, Fort Bend Herald, Class of 2007.  "Being new to the community, I signed up for Leadership 2007 to make business contacts.  It has certainly been a great conduit for meeting movers and shakers in the community...but it has been so much more than that!  In the course of my business, I have had numerous occasions during my Leadership tenure that I have needed to call on one of my classmates, or one of the community leaders we have met during our monthly classes, and these connections have proved invaluable.  In fact, I don't know what I would have done without them.  Perhaps more importantly, though, are the friendships I have developed.  I look forward to my Leadership class each month, and I'm actually dreading graduation when I won't be able to spend a day a month with these good friends."